2nd Gen Taco Range Sensor OEM, OR AFTERMARKET?

Hey guys recently been diagnosing an odd issue with my 08 tacoma trd sport. I took it into a 4x4 run which involved busting the snowmobile trail that was used all winter. I wasn't hard on it and was mainly following someone elses trail but I do understand snow is as hard on things as mud and water are lol. Long story short half way into the run truck wouldn't start in park and then had like a 10 second delay going into drive. I passed it off as I got it started and kept going. Then upon going up a hill trying to crawl in 4low I noticed the transmission felt like it was slipping but then I realized it just kept going in between 2nd gear and first gear over and over with jerking motions. When I finished the run the CEL finally showed up with the P0705 Code. I researched the forums and seen that a million things could cause this issue and I'm not the best with electrical so I brought it to the garage as I didn't want to replace the switch if it was a simple fix. They put it on there big scanner confirmed everything going to the switch was working correctly but the switch itself was malfunctioning. I just want to know if its worth buying the 285$ OEM Toyota one or if I'm able to snag one off of rockauto that will work just as well. I just don't want to buy twice. Recently had a kid and trying to be tighter with money for emergencies. The one on rockauto i was looking at was the SKP one for 135$ CAD which is a big difference to oem. All other auto shops were 385 and up, Please let me know your thoughts as I will bite the bullet and buy the toyota one if needed. Thanks guys!

 

The biggest issue you face is if the aftermarket switch will work to begin with.
If it works, it will likely work for a long time.
But the reality is, there is a good chance it wont work straight out of the box.
100% you need to pull the switch and see if the connector is wet, or has corroded pins.
The sensor connector has been known to leak around the seal. CHECK THIS FIRST.
No need to stick a new sensor in it if the pins are "bad" (corroded)

Also, it would be a good idea to put dielectric grease on the rubber seal of the connector when you plug it back in.
Do NOT put it on the pin. ONLY THE SEAL.

When removing the senor. DO NOT reef on it too hard.
There is a seal behind the sensor that the rod goes through. (the rod is what the nut screws onto - See picture below)
If you damage the seal, it WILL leak. You don't want to have to replace that seal.
It has to be removed and installed from INSIDE the transmission. You don't want a simple job turning into a a complicated disaster.
Cut the nut off with a Dremel if you have too. (seriously)


Also, Make sure you get the sensor aligned correctly.






The Sensor and "Nut"

 

FWIW, I'd go with the aftermarket sensor.
ONLY because I'm ok with it "being my own fault".
And I don't have any neighbors close by to hear me throw a fit when/if it doesn't work.

 

I'm alright with doing my own work and I'll make sure not to damage that seal I hope the sensor will come off easily but I doubt it considering the roads here are salted to the max all winter lol. I'll make sure to try and clean that connector any tips on what to use? Something small enough to get in there and I'll just dab a bit of dielectric on the seal and rub it around avoiding the pins. Definelty going to anti sieze the shaft before installing the new one lol. Here's the debate for aftermarket switches on rock auto. SKP or Rostra? Never heard of either of them so I'm skeptical just want my truck to not drive like a piece of shit lolol. Thanks for the info.

 

In use CRC electric contact cleaner.
Most pats stores have it.

DeoxIT is probably the best. But it's not easy to find local, and it is a bit pricey.
@Dm93 might know of a better affordable option?

I only fool with this stuff occasionally, And use CRC and a nylon bristle brush if I need to "scrub" the pins.